What Our Peer Mentors Do

Mentors provide support and aid to fellow students in areas in which they might need a little help grasping concepts, following mathematical formulas and understanding the reasoning behind why something is done in a particular way.

They can also help you figure out strategies to finish your work, offer tips on studying, manage your time, do your research.

Meet Our Mentors

Vanessa Barth, Mechanical Engineering

Vanessa Barth

My name is Vanessa Barth and I am a Mechanical Engineering major. I currently live at home in Manassas, VA and commute to Mason. When I am not on campus you can find me at home playing with my two dogs, watching anime, reading, and putting together puzzles. Spring 2019 is my first semester as a peer mentor and I am so excited to help in any way I can.

Sarah Binsalman, Computer Science

Sarah Binsalman

Computer Science

Tuesday 12:00 PM - 2:30 PMThursday 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Hello fellow patriots. My name is Sarah Binsalman. I am an international student from Saudi Arabia fascinated by learning others culture. I am majoring in Computer Science. Being a multipotentialite, I chose this major because I believe computer science is a broad major that could connect and contribute to all other fields of my interests. I enjoy sewing and crocheting in my free time. Fall 2017 is my first semester as a Peer Mentor, and I look forward to meet with you and hopefully give you the help that I once needed.

Mark Boahen, Computer Engineering

Mark Boahen

My name is Mark Boahen. I am an undergrad majoring in Computer Engineering with a minor in Business. During the course of my years at George Mason University, I have worked with different professors as a Research Assistant. My past research includes “Securing Implantable Medical Devices” and “Safety and Security in The Gambia.” This summer, I worked with Mason Experimental Geometry Lab as a Lab Intern. I started working as a Peer Mentor in 2015, and this is my second year. I love helping undergraduate students understand concepts taught in CS112, CS211, CS310, ENGR 107, MATH 113, MATH 214, MATH 213, MATH 203, and other technical courses.

Walter Burke, Civil & Infrastructure Engineering

Walter Burke

Civil & Infrastructure Engineering

Monday 4:00 PM - 6:00 PMWednesday 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Hi, my name is Walter Burke. I am a Civil & Infrastructure Engineering major who has hopes to specialize in transportation. I was drawn to engineering due to my appreciation for solving complex problems and being able to provide assistance to others in need. When I'm not doing school work I enjoy spending my time outside with my friends fishing. We love to fish locally and occasionally go out deep sea fishing when the waters are good. I am so excited to be your peer mentor and cannot wait to help you with whatever challenges are tossed your way.

Sarah Cianfrone, Applied Computer Science

Sarah Cianfrone

Applied Computer Science

Monday 2:00 PM - 4:30 PMTuesday 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM​

Hello, I’m Sarah Cianfrone, and I’m from central New Jersey. It’s my second year here at Mason, and I’m an applied computer science major with a concentration in video game design. I hope to one day work on programming for video games that I would love to play. In my free time, you can find me watching eSports and learning new things about math, science, and astronomy. I work on programming projects on my own as well as participating in SRCT and the Satellite Communications Club here at Mason. I’m excited to get to know other Mason Engineering students and help you in any way I can.

Andrew Creel, Electrical Engineering

Andrew Creel

Electrical Engineering

Tuesday 10:00 AM - 12:00 PMThursday 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Hello, my name is Andrew Creel. I’m majoring in Electrical Engineering and minoring in Mechanical Engineering. I enjoy hanging out with my friends and going to the basketball games. When the weather is nice you may find me outside in my hammock. Fall 2017 will be my first year as a peer mentor and I am looking forward to the experience.

Tamia Cromartie-Burney, Information Technology

Tamia Cromartie-Burney

Hi, my name is Tamia Cromartie. I am majoring in Information Technology and looking forward to pursing a concentration in web design. My favorite subjects in school are English and History. I was a tutor throughout high school, and I also have a younger sister who needs help with homework and projects, so I have a little bit of experience. Although I am majoring in Information Technology, I can help anyone who just needs a study partner.

Yuanqi Du, Computer Science

Yuanqi Du

Hi, my name is Yuanqi Du, an international student from China. My major is Computer Science. I am currently a junior student with interests in data mining and machine learning. I am assisting Prof. Carlotta with an anomaly detection project. I love playing computer games and hanging out with friends in my free time. I start my peer mentor journey from Spring 2019. If you need a hand with academic learning, you are interested in data mining/machine learning, you want to explore your career life, or you just want to make friends, welcome to see me. Looking forward to meeting you guys in the peer mentor center and being good friends with you!

Gabriel Earle, Civil & Infrastructure Engineering

Gabriel Earle

Civil & Infrastructure Engineering

Monday 11:30 AM - 1:00 PMWednesday 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Hi! My name is Gabriel Earle, and I go by Gabe. I am a Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering major here at Mason. I like engineering because I love math, but I also get opportunities to be creative in problem solving and think about things that matter to me like sustainability and design. Besides classes and engineering, my life revolves around music. I love playing drums in bands and with the Green Machine at Mason basketball games! I listen to a lot of old music and a lot of new hip hop. I am really excited to be your peer mentor, and would love for you to come by and let us try and help you with those tough moments!

Rania Farage, Information Technology

Rania Farage

Information Technology

Friday 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Hello, my name is Rania Farage. I am majoring in Information Technology with a minor in Business. I am originally from The Gambia, the smallest country in Africa, however I have lived in the United States for over two years now. During my free time, I love to dance, watch soccer, and cook. I am bilingual in Wollof and English. I am delighted to be a Peer Mentor for the Volgenau School of Engineering and cannot wait to meet all of you.

Adelyn Gaegler, Information Technology

Adelyn Gaegler

My name is Addie Gaegler. I’m majoring in information technology with a concentration in database tech and programming. I transferred to Mason from NOVA, and the resources and connections I’ve found at George Mason have been incredibly helpful. Admittedly, I love learning, but I’m a total art history nerd and movie fanatic. Hiking and yoga also help me to stay balanced amidst a tech-heavy academic path. As a peer mentor, I’m so excited to meet new students and be of assistance to anyone who is facing a challenge. Remember: everybody struggles along the way, and we are here to help.

Andreas Giannopoulos, Information Technology

Andreas Giannopoulos

Hello, my name is Andreas Giannopoulos. I am majoring in Information Technology and plan to concentrate in Database Technology and Programming. I previously attended Virginia Tech as a Computer Engineer but later transferred to NOVA to obtain an associate's degree in IT. In the past I struggled with my courses . I understand the frustration that occurs when a topic doesn't click. I will use those experiences to be the best Peer Mentor I can be. I look forward to meeting you all!

Nana Gyamfi, Information Technology

Nana Gyamfi

Information Technology

Tuesday 2:00 PM - 3:00 PMThursday 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Hello, it’s an honor to be your Peer Mentor for the 2019 spring semester. My name is Nana Gyamfi. I’m currently majoring in Information technology with interest in concentrating on either web development and multimedia or database technology and programming. Born and raised in Ghana, I am the oldest out of the 4 siblings and the first to go to college. Life at Mason is cool; I am improving academically and meeting new people daily. In my spare time, I like to relax, play video games, and chat with friends. According to Albert Einstein, “...everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” No one is feeble-minded, it’s just a matter of you changing your mindset and believing you are more than intelligent to not only ace a class but to also succeed in future endeavors. I look forward to having a blast with you all this semester!!! Thank you.

Victor Huynh, Bioengineering

Victor Huynh

Bioengineering

Friday 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Hi, my name is Victor Huynh! I’m majoring in Bioengineering. I am a returning Peer Mentor, and I’m very happy to have the chance to help you guys in your academic journey at Mason! I chose to study at Mason because of the warm atmosphere I experienced on campus during university tours. Also, I am impressed by the numerous opportunities Mason provides for an exciting college experience. My hobbies include watching anime, drawing, and listening to Kpop. I look forward to meeting and working with you throughout the semester!

Doreen Joseph, Cyber Security Engineering

Doreen Joseph

Cyber Security Engineering

Tuesday 10:00 AM - 11:30 AMWednesday 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

My name is Doreen Joseph, and I am from Annandale, Virginia. I’m majoring in Cyber Security Engineering with a minor in Math. I was born in Nairobi, Kenya and moved my family to the United States when I was 8 years old . On campus, I am President of Alpha Lambda Delta, a national honor society devoted to academic scholarship, leadership, and community service. I am also involved with several other organizations including the National Society of Black Engineers, and Honors College Black Ambition. In my spare time, I like to watch movies, go on adventures, exercise, and hang out with my friends. I’m excited for this experience as a Peer Mentor!

John Lavelle, Statistics

John Lavelle

Statistics

Monday 12:00 PM - 1:00 PMWednesday 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

My name is John Lavelle, and I am a statistics major with a concentration in statistical analytics. Originally from Long Island, New York, I joined the Navy in 2014 which gave me orders to Washington D.C. I now reside in Virginia. My time in the Navy entailed working during the day and attending night classes at Northern Virginia Community College where I studied mathematics and found my passion for numbers. Concepts in math and statistics have never come easy to me, but once I figure it out, it’s a lot of fun. When I’m not on campus, I’m most likely at home reading or watching TV with my wife and two cats.

Fatemeh Nouri, Computer Science

Fatemeh Nouri

Computer Science

Wednesday 10:30 AM - 12:30 PMThursday 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Hello, my name is Fatemeh Nouri. I am majoring in Computer Science and look forward to exploring more about fields of Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering. I was a volunteer tutor throughout high school and helped students with the subjects of Calculus, Algebra, Geometry, Chemistry, and Biology. I have been a UTA (undergraduate teaching assistant) for the Computer Science department since Fall 2018, and Spring 2019 will be my first semester as a Peer Mentor. I am very excited to help you with understanding various concepts and look forward to meeting with you.

Brody Receveur, Statistics

Brody Receveur

Hello, my name is Brody Receveur, and I grew up in Fredericksburg, VA. I am majoring in statistics with a concentration in mathematical statistics. I’m a freshman with a lot of AP credit from high school and plenty of experience in mentoring students. I have primarily a background in math and statistics, but I can also help in sciences and various computer languages. In my free time, you can find me volunteering, playing tabletop or videogames, at the gym, or really doing anything geeky or nerdy. I hope that I can help you understand any difficult concepts you are struggling with.

Ronan Roque, Cyber Security Engineering

Ronan Roque

Hello everyone! My name is Ronan Joshua L. Roque and I am majoring in Cyber Security Engineering. I was born in the Philippines and lived there for 10 years until moving to Canada in 2007. Now, I'm here in the USA to study at George Mason University. Apart from the Peer Mentor Center, you will most likely find me participating in Anime and Gaming Society meetings or singing with the Catholic Campus Ministry's choir. My hobbies include watching anime, playing video games, and playing/transcribing pieces for the piano. Although it is going to be my first year being a Peer Mentor, I am excited to meet my fellow peers and I will do my best to support you all through this journey!

Brett Sellers, Mechanical Engineering & Computer Engineering

Brett Sellers

Mechanical Engineering & Computer Engineering

Monday 1:30 PM - 2:30 PMWednesday 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM​

My name is Brett Sellers, and I am majoring in both Mechanical Engineering and Computer Engineering. I am familiar with most of the faculty members in both departments because of my unique position pursuing two majors. I have lived in the Northern Virginia area my whole life, and I currently live 15 minutes from the Fairfax campus. I enjoy working on, modifying, and researching cars, which is how I spend the majority of my weekends. Fall 2017 is my first semester as a peer mentor, and I look forwarding to helping people whatever way I can.

Mary Taylor, Systems Engineering

Mary Taylor

Hello! My name is Mary Taylor, and I am majoring in systems engineering. I am from Mechanicsville, VA, but recently moved up to Stafford. I love math, and solving puzzles. When not in school, I love hiking, and kayaking, or just relaxing in my hammock! I look forward to my first year as a peer mentor, and helping others in any way I can!

Megan Taylor, Systems Engineering

Megan Taylor

Systems Engineering

Monday 10:00 AM - 11:30 AMTuesday 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM​

Hello, my name is Megan Taylor. I am a sophomore majoring in Systems Engineering. Fall 2017 is my first year as a peer mentor, but I have always loved helping others by tutoring in various subjects. I love George Mason, and all the opportunities it has to offer. Outside of class, I love to go on adventures like hiking, biking, and kayaking. In addition, I love to read and watch movies. I look forward to meeting and helping many students!

Ming Tiong, Cyber Security Engineering

Ming Tiong

Cyber Security Engineering

Wednesday 3:00 PM - 5:00 PMFriday 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

My name is Te Ming Tiong, but you guys can call me Ming. I am an international student from Malaysia, and I am currently a junior. I am majoring in cyber security engineering because I am interested in cryptography, which is a specialized area in cyber. Fall 2018 will be my first year being a peer mentor, and I will try my best to help as many people as I can. During my leisure time, I like to watch movies, hang out with friends, play badminton, and listen to songs. I am really looking forward to working with students and the peer mentors.

Holly To, Bioengineering

Holly To

Bioengineering

Monday 10:30 AM - 11:30 AMWednesday 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM​

Hello! My name is Holly To. I am majoring in Bioengineering. My favorite subjects are math and science (especially chemistry!). I was a tutor throughout high school and throughout my time here at Mason. My favorite activities include listening to K-Pop (especially Big Bang), swimming, and watching Korean dramas. I look forward to sharing my experience so far with you and help you during your time at Mason.

Sophia Upshaw, Electrical Engineering

Sophia Upshaw

Electrical Engineering

Wednesday 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

My name is Sophia Upshaw, and I’m currently a senior studying electrical engineering with a concentration in bioengineering. I was born and raised in NoVA, ran off to a private school for a year, then transferred to Mason in the fall of 2016. Since being here, I’ve had the opportunity to meet an amazing network of professors and peers, founded a racecar building team, serve on our Student Government as a Senator, and lead a campus ministry. In my spare time, you’ll find me at the gym, having culinary experiences, watching crime/thriller movies, and empowering you to be the best student you can be.